CONTACT PERSON: Patrice Roche, Marketing & Communications Specialist Elmhurst History Museum PH: 630-530-6874 Or 630-833-1457
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CONTACT PERSON: Patrice Roche, Marketing & Communications Specialist Elmhurst History Museum PH: 630-530-6874 or 630-833-1457 UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE: PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST March 22, 2018 “Snoopy and the Red Baron” Lands in Elmhurst on March 23 Traveling exhibit makes its national debut at the Elmhurst History Museum ELMHURST, Ill. – Charles Schulz introduced Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace in 1965, and over the decades this character has become one of Snoopy’s most recognizable personas. The popular aviator lands in Elmhurst this spring when a new national traveling exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, titled “Snoopy and the Red Baron,” makes its first stop at the Elmhurst History Museum. “Snoopy and the Red Baron” will be on display at the Elmhurst History Museum, located at 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst, from March 23 through June 17, 2018. The exhibit tells the full story of the charismatic and beloved character from its early origins to the detailed research on all aspects of World War I that Schulz brought to the strips for authenticity. Visitors will learn about this favorite Peanuts storyline through high resolution reproductions of Schulz’s original comic strip artwork, photographs, film clips, and themed objects and collectibles inspired by Snoopy as the Flying Ace—from toys and model airplanes to dolls, books, and more. Museum visitors can also step into character as the Flying Ace by donning aviator caps and goggles for a photo-op next to Snoopy’s doghouse. The History of Snoopy’s Flying Ace When asked about the origins of Snoopy’s aviator role, Charles Schulz credited his son Monte’s interest in making plastic airplane models as his chief inspiration. Schulz described drawing a little helmet on Snoopy after seeing Monte’s World War I aircraft models, and “suddenly got the idea for it.” He also cited 1960s events that commemorated the start of World War I, and movies such as “The Dawn Patrol.” He immediately recognized the potential of the Flying Ace, acknowledging, “I knew I had one of the best things I had thought of in a long time.” Throughout the decades, Snoopy comically embraced his fighter pilot role for delighted Peanuts readers. As Snoopy envisioned himself soaring through the clouds in pursuit of his nemesis— the infamous Red Baron—he sat atop his doghouse, which he imagined to be a real British biplane known as a Sopwith Camel (Schulz once said, “Can you think of a funnier name for an airplane?”). He wandered through parts of Europe that World War I aviators genuinely traversed, stopping in cafés to quaff root beers and flirt with French mademoiselles. In everything he cartooned, Schulz strove for authenticity, a point made especially clear by his Flying Ace storylines. Beyond the comic strip, Snoopy as the Flying Ace prompted the manufacture of countless memorabilia items, including toys, games, music boxes, and more. Fans dressed up their dogs in flying caps and goggles, and Air Force squadrons adopted Snoopy as a symbol of their patriotism. This most famous of all Snoopy’s personas continues to bring humor and nostalgic joy to Peanuts fans all over the world. “I don’t think there has been an animal character in a long time that has done the different things that Snoopy has done,” Schulz once reflected. “He’s an attorney. He’s a surgeon. He’s the World War I Flying Ace.” Related Programs at Elmhurst History Museum The Elmhurst History Museum staff is planning a number of engaging programs for both family and adult audiences connected to the “Snoopy and the Red Baron” exhibit, and many of these activities are free. For families, a Spring Break Snoopypalooza is scheduled from March 24-31 with a Snoopy scavenger hunt, craft time, and a dance party for preschoolers in the mix. A free screening of “The Peanuts Movie” is scheduled at the York Theatre in Elmhurst on April 7 at 9:30 a.m. with a Snoopy meet-and-greet and activities in Elmhurst City Centre Plaza following. In addition, Snoopy will be on hand at the annual Elmhurst Museum Day on May 20 where kids can make paper airplanes, test out a flight simulator, have their faces painted with Peanuts themes, and learn to draw a Peanuts character. For adults, the museum is planning two World War I-related programs in conjunction with the exhibit and the 100th anniversary of the end of the war. Professor Peter Fritzsche, a University of Illinois history professor and author, will present a slide lecture on The Real Red Baron: Manfred von Richthofen & the WWI Aviators on April 22 (1918 is also the anniversary of the death of the notorious German bomber pilot). In addition, a bus trip to the First Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton for a guided tour to learn more about the history of the Great War is slated for May 16. Don’t miss the World War I Flying Ace on his first visit to the Midwest! “Snoopy and the Red Baron” is organized and toured by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, Santa Rosa, California. The Elmhurst History Museum’s hours are Sunday and Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is free, and limited free parking is available. For the latest exhibit and program information, please visit www.elmhursthistory.org or call (630) 833-1457. # # # The Elmhurst History Museum is a department of the City of Elmhurst supported by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization. The Museum is located at 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst. General admission is free. For more information, call 630-833-1457 or visit our web site at www.elmhursthistory.org. Peanuts Image Use: You have Peanuts Worldwide LLC’s one-time permission to use the attached Peanuts daily strips and single panel images supplied to you for use in your upcoming feature on the exhibition Snoopy and the Red Baron. This permission applies for print, web or broadcast use only during the run of this exhibit. Images are allowed to be posted on the web for up to 30 days. Please note that this art may not be altered. You must use the strip in its entirety. You may not compress or squeeze the art. When you enlarge or reduce its size, please do so proportionately. You may not create or change words or thought balloons for the characters. You may not flip the art, whatever direction they are facing is the way they must stay. Please be sure to credit Peanuts as follows: “©2018 Peanuts Worldwide LLC” with provided images (November 8, 1993) Peanuts © 1993 Peanuts Worldwide LLC Charles M. Schulz Photographer: Tom Vano Note: This logo may be used in color or black/white .